US Post Office-El Centro Main
a.k.a. El Centro Main Post Office
230 S. 5th St., El Centro, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.
1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.
1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.
1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.
1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.
1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.
1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.
1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.
1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.
1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.
2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.
2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.
Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.
This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, claiming the land for the Spanish Empire. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that Spanish missions were established in Imperial County, bringing Catholicism and European influence to the region.
In the mid-19th century, Imperial County was part of the Mexican territory of Alta California. Following the Mexican-American War in the late 1840s, the region fell under American control and became part of the newly established state of California.
The 20th century saw significant developments in Imperial County's history. The completion of the All-American Canal in 1940 transformed the area into a major agricultural center, facilitating irrigation and allowing for the cultivation of crops such as cotton, vegetables, and citrus fruits. The county's economy also grew with the establishment of military bases during World War II, bringing jobs and prosperity to the region.
Today, Imperial County continues to thrive economically, with agriculture remaining a vital industry. The county is also known for its geothermal energy production, as it has vast geothermal resources. Its unique location near the Mexican border also brings a cultural richness and diversity to the area. Imperial County stands as a testament to the region's resilience and adaptability over centuries of change.
Imperial County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Imperial County, California.
- 1540: Spanish explorers enter the area that would later become Imperial County
- 1774: Spanish expedition explores the Colorado River and establishes a mission near present-day Ocotillo
- 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and the region becomes part of Mexico
- 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and the region becomes part of the United States
- 1893: The Southern Pacific Railroad reaches the area, leading to increased settlement and agriculture
- 1901: The county of Imperial is established
- 1905: The Imperial Canal is completed, providing water for irrigation and transforming the region into an agricultural hub
- 1929: The Salton Sea is accidentally created due to flooding from the Colorado River
- 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic challenges to the county
- 1942: The U.S. government establishes the Naval Air Facility El Centro as a training base during World War II
- 1950s-1960s: The county experiences a population boom due to agricultural expansion and military presence
- 1980: Imperial Irrigation District signs an agreement to transfer water to San Diego, sparking controversy over water rights
- 1990s-2000s: The county continues to grow, but faces challenges such as water scarcity and agricultural regulations